Son Heung-min's Revival: A Turning Point for LAFC

After suffering their first defeat of the 2026 campaign, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and South Korean icon Son Heung-min are looking to bounce back and secure a spot in the regional semifinals this week.

LAFC will travel to Mexico to face Cruz Azul in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup (a continental competition for the best clubs in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean) quarterfinals. The match is set for Tuesday night at Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla.

Dominant 3-0 Lead and the 'Blah Blah' Celebration

LAFC enters the match in a commanding position after a 3-0 victory in the first leg last week. This win was historic, marking the first time a U.S.-based club has defeated a defending champion in the tournament's 64-year history.

Son Heung-min was the protagonist, scoring his first open-play goal of the year. Following the goal, he made a "blah blah" hand gesture, seemingly directed at critics who suggested the 33-year-old superstar had "lost a step" due to a recent scoring drought.

"Son's first open-play goal of 2026 silences the narrative surrounding his age and form, setting the stage for a deep tournament run."

Scenarios for Advancement: The Away Goals Rule

LAFC is in the driver's seat. Even a draw or a narrow loss (such as 1-0 or 2-1) will see them through to the semifinals. This is largely due to the away goals rule (a tie-breaking method where goals scored on the opponent's field carry more weight if the total score is tied).

However, LAFC must remain cautious of the "Mexico Away" curse that has recently haunted other MLS teams:

  • San Diego FC: Blew a 3-2 lead, losing 4-0 in Mexico.
  • FC Cincinnati: Blew a 3-0 lead, losing 5-1 in Mexico.

Fresh Legs for the Final Push

To ensure peak performance, Son and several other veterans were rested during LAFC's recent MLS match against the Portland Timbers. While LAFC suffered their first loss of the season in that game, the strategic rest means the stars are well-prepared for the high-altitude challenge in Mexico.

Since joining LAFC last August, Son has been hunting for his first trophy with the club. Advancing past Cruz Azul would bring him one step closer to lifting silver and cementing his legacy in the North American circuit.